Classic Rock
Lake District Level 2 : Guided Climbing
Discover classic multi-pitch trad climbing on the spectacular crags of the Lake District. Climb some of Britain's finest and most celebrated rock routes with an experienced ISM Guide, enjoying breath taking scenery, exciting challenges and memorable days in the mountains
Discover the adventure and excitement of climbing some of Britain's finest traditional rock routes, set amongst the spectacular mountains, valleys and crags of the Lake District.
From soaring mountain buttresses and exposed ridges to beautifully positioned multi-pitch climbs, the Lake District offers an extraordinary variety of climbing adventures. Many of these routes have become part of British climbing history, celebrated for their character, magnificent settings and the generations of climbers they've inspired.
Working alongside an experienced ISM Guide, you'll have the opportunity to explore some of the region's most memorable climbs, including routes featured in Ken Wilson's iconic Classic Rock. Imagine climbing high above the valley floor, moving from pitch to pitch on beautiful rock, enjoying airy stances and spectacular views before reaching the top of a great mountain crag.
Whether you have a particular classic route in mind or simply want to experience some of the finest climbing the Lake District has to offer, we'll tailor your adventure to your experience, ability and ambitions. From a memorable day on a single classic climb to linking several wonderful routes together over a weekend or longer, each day offers something different.
Along the way, there's plenty of opportunity to develop your climbing technique, improve your ropework and build confidence on longer, more adventurous routes. With expert guidance and encouragement, you'll gain valuable experience while enjoying the freedom, excitement and satisfaction of traditional multi-pitch climbing.
Above all, Classic Rock is about the sheer enjoyment of climbing in beautiful places, sharing memorable mountain adventures and discovering why these wonderful routes have inspired climbers for generations.
It's not simply about reaching the top, but the richness of the journey along the way.
Course Highlights
Climb Britain's Classic Rock Routes – Discover some of the Lake District's finest and most celebrated traditional climbs, rich in history, character and adventure
Experience Spectacular Multi-Pitch Climbing – Enjoy soaring mountain buttresses, exposed ridges, airy stances and unforgettable climbing high above the valleys
Explore the Mountains with an ISM Guide – Enjoy exciting days on beautiful rock, with routes tailored to your experience, ambitions and the conditions
Develop Your Skills Through Adventure – Build confidence, refine your climbing technique and gain valuable multi-pitch experience while enjoying some of Britain's most inspiring rock climbs
Is the course for me?
If you've enjoyed climbing outdoors and dream of exploring some of Britain's finest traditional rock routes, this is a wonderful opportunity to take your climbing adventures into the mountains of the Lake District.
Perhaps you've spent time climbing at single-pitch crags and are keen to experience the excitement of longer, more adventurous multi-pitch routes. Or maybe you've already enjoyed traditional climbing but would love to discover some of the great classics, explore new mountain crags and experience the satisfaction of climbing high above the valleys.
You don't need to be an experienced trad leader to enjoy these adventures. With an experienced ISM Guide leading the way, you can focus on the climbing, develop your confidence and discover the excitement of multi-pitch climbing in some of the Lake District's most beautiful and historic routes.
We'll tailor the climbing to your experience, ability and aspirations, whether that's enjoying your first classic multi-pitch climb, tackling a particular route that's captured your imagination or linking several wonderful climbs together for a memorable mountain day.
Along the way, you'll have the opportunity to develop your movement skills, become more familiar with multi-pitch ropework and belay systems, and gain confidence on longer, more exposed routes. With expert guidance, encouragement and plenty of time to enjoy the experience, you'll discover just how rewarding adventurous traditional climbing can be.
Above all, Classic Rock is about the joy of climbing in spectacular places, sharing the adventure and creating wonderful memories on routes that have inspired generations of climbers.
Meeting point: Great Langdale, Lake District, or another suitable climbing venue confirmed before your course.
Please note: Routes and climbing venues will be selected to suit your experience, the weather and conditions, ensuring an enjoyable and appropriately challenging adventure.
Classic Rock routes
Lake District Classic Rock – Routes & Crags
From the beautiful rock of Shepherds Crag and Gimmer to the towering mountain buttresses of Scafell, Pillar and Great Gable, the Lake District is home to some of Britain's most treasured traditional climbs.
These historic routes offer everything from elegant slabs and exposed ridges to adventurous cracks, corners and magnificent multi-pitch journeys. Each has its own character, history and sense of adventure.
A selection of classic routes we can explore:
- Little Chamonix – Shepherds Crag
- Gillercombe Buttress – Gillercombe
- Troutdale Pinnacle – Black Crag
- Bracket and Slab Climb – Gimmer Crag
- Ash Tree Slabs – Gimmer Crag
- 'C' Route – Gimmer Crag
- Bowfell Buttress – Bowfell
- Murray's Route – Dow Crag
- Jones Route Direct – Scafell Crag
- Moss Ghyll Grooves – Scafell Crag
- Needle Ridge – The Napes
- The Wasdale Crack – The Napes
- Tophet Wall – The Napes
- New West Climb – Pillar
- Rib and Slab Climb – Pillar
Whether there's a particular route you've always dreamed of climbing or you'd prefer us to put together a wonderful day exploring the classics, we'll choose adventures that suit your experience, ambitions and the prevailing conditions.
Every route has a story, and every great climbing day becomes part of your own.
Course Dates & Booking
Vital Information
Short introduction to vital information. This is everything you need to know about attending this course, links to other pages
All Vital Information

